General Manager

Waterbury, CT, USA|

Job Overview

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Career Development

Worker's Compensation

Job Description

Herschend Enterprises is a premier family-owned company recognized as the largest family-held themed attractions operator in North America. With a rich history spanning over 75 years, beginning from a magical discovery deep in an Ozark Mountain cave by the Herschend family, the company has grown to encompass over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences. These range across a diverse portfolio that includes theme parks, water parks, resorts, destinations, and unique entertainment offerings enjoyed by families and guests worldwide. Herschend is driven by an inspiring mission to bring families closer together by creating memories worth repeating, a commitment lovingly actualized through their distinctive service philosophy known as Heartspitality. This philosophy represents the intersection of heart and hospitality, emphasizing the importance of kindness, genuine care, and exceptional guest service.

Herschend is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all hosts, guests, and business partners, ensuring that every individual is treated with respect and dignity. As an equal opportunity employer, the organization fosters a culture where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is foundational. Their network of over 22,000 passionate hosts upholds the company’s purpose daily through acts of love and service, making every visit to a Herschend property memorable and meaningful.

The role available is for the General Manager at Lake Compounce Amusement, Water Park, and Campground. This senior leadership position plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic vision and overseeing the comprehensive operations of one of Herschend's marquee parks. The General Manager is entrusted with driving exceptional guest experiences, cultivating a vibrant and productive work culture, and meeting robust financial outcomes. This role demands a dynamic leader with extensive experience in theme park and water park management, someone well-versed in the nuances of both operational excellence and strategic growth. The successful candidate will be highly skilled in developing and executing business strategies that support sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and top-tier guest satisfaction.

As the General Manager, the individual will collaborate closely with the Property Support Center and cross-functional leaders spanning attractions, entertainment, finance, marketing, safety, and other departments. Responsibilities include establishing and achieving revenue and expense budgets, monitoring key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols and regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of team engagement and continuous improvement. The General Manager is also a people-focused leader, responsible for nurturing talent, advancing the company culture of Leading with Love, and equipping hosts with the resources and training necessary to exceed guest expectations consistently.

In conclusion, this role is not only about managing the daily aspects of a major amusement, water park, and campground property but also about steering a beloved family destination towards long-term success, innovation, and guest delight. Candidates who are driven by passion, have proven leadership in theme park environments, and are committed to operational excellence and heartfelt hospitality are encouraged to apply and spark their career growth with Herschend Enterprises.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field
minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in theme parks and water parks
proven experience developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, host engagement, and financial performance
demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams
available to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field
Master's degree preferred
minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in theme parks and water parks
proven experience developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, guest satisfaction, host engagement, and financial performance
demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, multi-department operations
strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving abilities
proven track record of driving initiatives, achieving measurable results, and leading change
committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence
strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed business decisions
excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and conflict management skills
demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization
able to collaborate effectively with leaders, departments, and properties to share best practices and achieve common goals
demonstrates the highest level of integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information
self-motivated, disciplined, and highly accountable
able to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines
adaptable and effective in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
embodies the organization's Lead with Love culture by demonstrating Heartspitality
promotes a collaborative, team-oriented work environment by supporting and assisting fellow hosts and leaders
passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and empowered to meet guest needs within company guidelines
demonstrates genuine friendliness and care in delivering exceptional service and operational excellence

Job Duties

Partner and collaborate with the Property Support Center to align and execute strategies and initiatives that support overall business objectives
drive strategic planning to support organizational growth and leadership development
measure, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve operational excellence
develop, manage, and achieve annual revenue and expense budgets
provide operational insight and executive leadership to the property leadership team
lead and collaborate with operating and functional leaders across Attractions, Entertainment, Finance, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, Maintenance, Marketing, Retail, and Safety & Security to achieve shared business goals
oversee the full-cycle operation of the property, ensuring teams effectively respond to business demands including staffing levels, operating hours, attractions, and guest experiences
monitor park quality, cleanliness, maintenance, and aesthetic standards while holding leaders accountable for delivering exceptional experiences
champion an exceptional guest experience by partnering with the Property Support Center to implement guest-focused strategies and initiatives
foster a culture where hosts feel welcomed, valued, and loved while advancing Herschend's Leading with Love culture
ensure hosts have the resources, training, and support necessary to consistently exceed guest expectations
promote a positive, inclusive workplace through strong host relations programs and engagement initiatives
serve as a trusted advisor to leaders and hosts by providing guidance on company policies, procedures, and standards
reinforce performance management practices that drive accountability, engagement, development, and productivity
support organizational and leadership development through coaching, succession planning, and talent development initiatives
establish, monitor, and reinforce safe work practices across all areas of the property
ensure compliance with all applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations, as well as company policies and operating standards
partner closely with Safety & Security to ensure adherence to all safety protocols and operating procedures
participate in the development and execution of park-wide emergency preparedness, readiness, and response plans